Caramelized Shallot and Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with fragrant lemongrass and caramelized shallots, delivering a savory and aromatic Vietnamese-inspired dish. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, medium, thinly sliced shallots, finely minced lemongrass stalk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced shallots and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Increase heat to medium-high and add the 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet, searing for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 finely minced lemongrass stalk and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the caramelized shallots to the skillet and toss together for 30 seconds to combine flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Shallot and Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Shallot and Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Shallot and Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Shallot and Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Shallot and Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry?

Vietnamese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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